Ravioli With Marinara Sauce
As a child, I spent countless hours in the kitchen with my grandmother, learning the art of traditional Italian cooking. One of my favorite dishes to make and eat was always ravioli with marinara sauce. There's something special about the combination of tender, freshly made pasta and a rich, tangy tomato sauce that just feels like home.
Over the years, I've perfected my own recipe for ravioli with marinara sauce, and I'm excited to share it with you. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, and it's sure to become a favorite in your household.
The key to making great ravioli is to use high-quality ingredients and to take the time to make the pasta from scratch. It may seem like a lot of work, but trust me, it's worth it. The end result is a dish that's not only delicious, but also incredibly satisfying to make.
In this recipe, we'll start by making the pasta dough from scratch. We'll then fill the ravioli with a delicious mixture of ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley, and finish it all off with a rich and tangy marinara sauce. So let's get started and make some homemade ravioli with marinara sauce!
Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. It's easy to follow, and the end result is well worth the effort. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the delicious taste of homemade ravioli with marinara sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal special equipment.
- The end result is a delicious and satisfying meal that's perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
- The recipe is highly customizable, so you can add your own favorite ingredients and flavors.
- The dish is not only delicious, but also incredibly comforting and satisfying to make.
- The recipe makes a large batch of ravioli, so you can freeze some for later and enjoy it again and again.
- The marinara sauce is not only delicious, but also incredibly easy to make and can be used as a dipping sauce or a sauce for other dishes.
- The dish is perfect for a crowd, and can be easily scaled up or down to suit your needs.
Why This Recipe Works
The secret to making great ravioli with marinara sauce lies in the combination of high-quality ingredients and traditional Italian cooking techniques. By using fresh, flavorful ingredients and taking the time to make the pasta from scratch, we're able to create a dish that's not only delicious, but also incredibly satisfying to make.
The key to making great pasta is to use a combination of all-purpose flour, eggs, and salt. The eggs provide moisture and richness, while the salt helps to bring out the flavor of the flour. By using a combination of these ingredients, we're able to create a pasta dough that's not only delicious, but also easy to work with.
When it comes to filling the ravioli, we're using a combination of ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. The ricotta cheese provides a creamy, tangy flavor, while the parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor. The fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh flavor that helps to balance out the richness of the cheese.
Finally, the marinara sauce is what really brings the dish together. Made with a combination of canned tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and salt, this sauce is not only delicious, but also incredibly easy to make. By cooking the sauce slowly over low heat, we're able to bring out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and create a sauce that's not only tangy, but also rich and flavorful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
When it comes to making ravioli with marinara sauce, the ingredients are just as important as the technique. In this recipe, we're using a combination of high-quality ingredients, including all-purpose flour, eggs, ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley.
When shopping for ingredients, be sure to choose the freshest and highest-quality items you can find. This will not only ensure that your dish turns out delicious, but also that it's safe to eat. Be sure to check the expiration dates on your ingredients, and choose items that are free from damage or contamination.
- 2 cups all-purpose flourAll-purpose flour is a must for making pasta from scratch. Look for a high-quality flour that is fresh and has a good texture.
- 2 eggsEggs provide moisture and richness to the pasta dough. Look for fresh eggs with clean, dry shells.
- 1 teaspoon saltSalt helps to bring out the flavor of the flour and adds texture to the pasta dough. Use a high-quality salt that is fresh and free from additives.
- 1 cup ricotta cheeseRicotta cheese provides a creamy, tangy flavor to the ravioli filling. Look for a high-quality ricotta cheese that is fresh and has a good texture.
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheeseParmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor to the ravioli filling. Look for a high-quality parmesan cheese that is fresh and has a good texture.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsleyFresh parsley adds a bright, fresh flavor to the ravioli filling. Look for fresh parsley with clean, dry leaves.
- 2 tablespoons olive oilOlive oil is used to cook the garlic and onions for the marinara sauce. Look for a high-quality olive oil that is fresh and has a good flavor.
- 4 garlic clovesGarlic adds a rich, savory flavor to the marinara sauce. Look for fresh garlic with clean, dry cloves.
- 2 cups canned tomatoesCanned tomatoes are used to make the marinara sauce. Look for high-quality canned tomatoes that are fresh and have a good flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried basilDried basil adds a bright, herbaceous flavor to the marinara sauce. Look for high-quality dried basil that is fresh and has a good flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepperBlack pepper adds a sharp, savory flavor to the marinara sauce. Look for high-quality black pepper that is fresh and has a good flavor.
Equipment You’ll Need
How to Make Ravioli With Marinara Sauce
- 1In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, eggs, and salt. Mix the ingredients together until a dough forms, then knead the dough for 5-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- 2Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes. This will allow the gluten in the dough to relax, making it easier to roll out.
- 3Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces, then roll out each piece into a thin sheet using a rolling pin.
- 4Use a pasta cutter to cut the sheets of dough into circles or squares, depending on your preference.
- 5In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Mix the ingredients together until they are well combined.
- 6Place a tablespoon of the cheese mixture onto the center of each piece of dough, then fold the dough over the filling to form a triangle or a square shape. Press the edges of the dough together to seal the ravioli.
- 7Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then gently add the ravioli to the pot. Cook the ravioli for 3-5 minutes, or until they float to the surface.
- 8While the ravioli are cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until it is fragrant.
- 9Add the canned tomatoes, dried basil, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir the ingredients together, then bring the sauce to a simmer.
- 10Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened and reduced slightly.
- 11Use a slotted spoon to remove the ravioli from the pot and add them to the skillet with the marinara sauce. Toss the ravioli in the sauce until they are well coated, then serve hot.
Expert Tips
- Make sure to use high-quality ingredients, including fresh eggs and real parmesan cheese.
- Don't overwork the pasta dough, as this can make it tough and chewy.
- Use a light touch when handling the ravioli, as they can be delicate and prone to breaking.
- Don't overcrowd the pot when cooking the ravioli, as this can cause them to stick together.
- Add a tablespoon of olive oil to the pot when cooking the ravioli to help prevent them from sticking.
- Use a gentle simmer when cooking the marinara sauce, as high heat can cause it to burn or become too thick.
- Let the sauce cook for at least 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.
- Add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese to the top of the ravioli before serving for an extra burst of flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overworking the pasta dough, which can make it tough and chewy.
- Not using enough flour when rolling out the dough, which can cause it to stick to the surface.
- Not sealing the ravioli properly, which can cause them to open up during cooking and lose their filling.
- Not cooking the ravioli for long enough, which can cause them to be undercooked and unpleasant to eat.
- Not using enough salt in the water when cooking the ravioli, which can cause them to be bland and unappetizing.
- Not stirring the marinara sauce occasionally, which can cause it to burn or become too thick.
Variations and Substitutions
- Add some chopped spinach or kale to the ravioli filling for an extra burst of nutrients.
- Use different types of cheese, such as goat cheese or feta, to give the ravioli a unique flavor.
- Add some diced ham or bacon to the marinara sauce for a meaty twist.
- Use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes to make the marinara sauce.
- Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, to the marinara sauce for extra flavor.
- Use a different type of pasta, such as tortellini or agnolotti, to change up the shape and texture of the dish.
- Add some grated nutmeg or cinnamon to the ravioli filling for a warm, spicy flavor.
What to Serve With Ravioli With Marinara Sauce
Ravioli with marinara sauce is a delicious and satisfying meal that can be served on its own or with a variety of sides. Some popular options include a green salad, garlic bread, or a side of steamed vegetables.
For a more substantial meal, try serving the ravioli with a side of meatballs or sausage. You can also add some grated parmesan cheese to the top of the ravioli for an extra burst of flavor.
Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating
Ravioli with marinara sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To store the ravioli, place them in an airtight container and cover them with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
To freeze the ravioli, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and put them in the freezer. Once they are frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer.
To reheat the ravioli, simply place them in a pot of boiling water and cook them for 2-3 minutes, or until they are heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave by placing them in a microwave-safe dish and cooking them on high for 30-60 seconds.
Marinara sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or frozen for up to 3 months. To store the sauce, place it in an airtight container and cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of flour is best for making pasta from scratch?
All-purpose flour is a good choice for making pasta from scratch, as it has a neutral flavor and a smooth texture.
How long does it take to make ravioli from scratch?
Making ravioli from scratch can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the complexity of the recipe and the number of ravioli being made.
Can I use a food processor to make the pasta dough?
Yes, you can use a food processor to make the pasta dough, but be careful not to overprocess the dough, as this can make it tough and chewy.
How do I know when the ravioli are cooked?
Ravioli are cooked when they float to the surface of the water. You can also check for doneness by cutting into one of the ravioli and checking to see if the filling is hot and the pasta is tender.
Can I freeze ravioli?
Yes, you can freeze ravioli. Simply place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and put them in the freezer. Once they are frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer.
How do I reheat frozen ravioli?
To reheat frozen ravioli, simply place them in a pot of boiling water and cook them for 2-3 minutes, or until they are heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave by placing them in a microwave-safe dish and cooking them on high for 30-60 seconds.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes to make the marinara sauce?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes to make the marinara sauce. Simply chop the fresh tomatoes and cook them in a little bit of olive oil until they are soft and fragrant.
How long does it take to make marinara sauce from scratch?
Making marinara sauce from scratch can take anywhere from 15-30 minutes, depending on the complexity of the recipe and the number of servings being made.

Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves
- 2 cups canned tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, eggs, and salt. Mix the ingredients together until a dough forms, then knead the dough for 5-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes. This will allow the gluten in the dough to relax, making it easier to roll out.
- Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces, then roll out each piece into a thin sheet using a rolling pin.
- Use a pasta cutter to cut the sheets of dough into circles or squares, depending on your preference.
- In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Mix the ingredients together until they are well combined.
- Place a tablespoon of the cheese mixture onto the center of each piece of dough, then fold the dough over the filling to form a triangle or a square shape. Press the edges of the dough together to seal the ravioli.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then gently add the ravioli to the pot. Cook the ravioli for 3-5 minutes, or until they float to the surface.
- While the ravioli are cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until it is fragrant.
- Add the canned tomatoes, dried basil, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir the ingredients together, then bring the sauce to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened and reduced slightly.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the ravioli from the pot and add them to the skillet with the marinara sauce. Toss the ravioli in the sauce until they are well coated, then serve hot.